Buying Guide: Outdoor Thermometers
If you are looking for a reliable outdoor thermometer, you might be overwhelmed by the many options available online. However, not all thermometers are created equal, and some might give you inaccurate or inconsistent readings that can affect your plans. That’s why we have prepared this guide to help you find the best outdoor thermometer for your needs. We have considered various factors that are important for choosing a high-quality outdoor thermometer. Follow our tips and you will be able to buy the best outdoor thermometer with confidence.
What Should You Consider When Buying an Outdoor Thermometer?
Durability
An outdoor thermometer should be durable and long-lasting. As the name suggests, the thermometer has to be placed outdoors, so it should be made of materials that won’t rust. This will keep the thermometer useful and in a working state for a long period.
Easy to install
Thermometers should be easy to install and come with a user manual to help customers with setup. Most thermometers can be placed on a table or mounted on a wall and require you to install batteries, assuming they are needed, and start working instantly. That said, there are some thermometers whose installation is difficult. You should choose one with an easy installation process unless a harder-to-install one has everything you need.
Easy to clean
Your thermometer should be easy to clean. Your thermometer must be placed outside the house, so the chances of it getting dirty are high. You should choose a product whose cleaning is hassle-free.
Accuracy
An outdoor thermometer should be precise and accurate. You don’t want your thermometer to give you false readings and ruin your plans. You should make sure that the thermometer you are buying is accurate. Some thermometers measure temperature mechanically, while others use more precise instruments. For most people’s purposes, either of these will work fine.
Features To Look for in the Top Outdoor Thermometers
Easy to read
The numbers marked on the thermometer should be clear and legible. A mechanical thermometer needs to have a hand that is not too thin to see nor too wide to distinguish temperatures. You also want to be able to read the measurements from a distance.
Weather-resistant
Your thermometer should be weather-resistant. It should be able to work properly in windy, freezing, and rainy weather. The thermometers mentioned in our list are all-weather resistant and work perfectly fine.
Humidity and other measurements
Modern thermometers do more than measure temperature. Some display humidity percentages and other details. This is a great feature that you may want to plan your day better. Thermometers with this feature tend to be less attractive. You should consider if you’d rather have an aesthetic piece or a practical tool.
What Are the Different Types of Outdoor Thermometers?
Bulb outdoor thermometer
An outdoor bulb thermometer is the most simple type. It is typically made of glass and filled with mercury. As temperatures rise, mercury changes in volume. As a result, the mercury moves up the glass tube. Conversely, if the temperature goes down, the mercury takes up less space in the glass tube. If you want the classic red line, this thermometer is for you.
Bimetallic strip outdoor thermometer
Bimetallic strip outdoor thermometers look like dials. They are made from spring-like coils, which are composed of two metal pieces that gauge the temperature outside. These thermometers measure temperature through the expansion or contraction of these metal pieces. For example, if one metal piece retains heat, the coil expands, and the hand of the dial creeps upward. If the temperature drops, the metal will cool, contract the coil, and move the dial downward.
Digital remote outdoor thermometer
Digital or electronic thermometers are the most modern and accurate. Inside a remote sensor lies a thermoreceptor that alters its resistance according to the temperature. This information is then transmitted to a display for you to read. Remote thermometers may not be as pretty as others on our list, but they can tell you the temperature while you relax in bed or make your coffee.
Where Should My Thermometer Be Placed?
Regardless of the type of outdoor thermometer, placement is one of the most important factors for an accurate reading. You should place your thermometer/sensor in a shady area with plenty of airflow. In addition, you should set your thermometer at least five feet off the ground and above grass or dirt. You should not place it above asphalt or man-made materials, as these emit heat. Additionally, placing your thermometer near sprinkler systems or too high up may lead to inaccurate readings.
To learn more about placing your home thermometer, check the video from The Weather Network.
How Much Do Outdoor Thermometers Cost?
Outdoor thermometers are very affordable, especially Bulb and Bimetallic ones. The more features and sensors they have, the more expensive they are. Cheaper thermometers are usually around $15; expensive ones can cost you $50 or even $100.
